Chlorination

Chlorination and Your Drinking Water
Chlorine is used for disinfection at the Plattsburgh Water Treatment
Plant as it is at 98% of U.S. public water supplies that are
disinfected. It is the only disinfectant available that protects all the
way to the tap.

Applying the Chlorine
Chlorine is applied prior to the sedimentation process and filtration
at levels necessary to ensure kill of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa
that are known to cause illness in humans. Chlorine levels leaving the
plant are maintained at levels that insure the distribution system is
safe from regrowth of biological organisms.

Chlorine Tests
Chlorine residuals leaving the Water Treatment Plant vary from 1.0 –
2.0 MG/L. Each month, in excess of 20 samples are tested throughout the
city distribution system for chlorine. Typically chlorine levels average
0.5 – 0.8 MG/L with a range of none detected to 1.8 MG/L.

Issues
We realize that from time to time that chlorine is noticeable to some
of our customers. Anyone bothered by this can eliminate the Chlorine
taste or odor by placing a pitcher of water in the refrigerator and
letting it sit for several hours. If your water smells like bleach call
us at (518) 563-1188. We will investigate the cause and make adjustments
where possible.